Check adds to cost of tax certificates

Columbia County's recent acceptance onto a Homeland Security identity verification computer network will mean an increase in occupational taxes.

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County commissioners agreed Tuesday to use Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements computer program to verify the citizenship and immigration status for those applying for occupation tax certificates. The certificates are a requirement to operate a business in the county.

The program is meant to prevent those illegally living in the U.S. from starting a business.

Because Homeland Security will charge the county to use the SAVE network, officials voted to raise application costs for occupation tax certificates by $2.

Also at the meeting, commissioners adopted a resolution to start buying or accepting donations of the necessary rights-of-way to build a sidewalk on William Few Parkway near Grovetown High School.

In another road-related improvement, the commission agreed to authorize Georgia Power to install a street light at Tubman and Washington roads.

The $285 cost for the pole installation will be paid for using 1-percent sales tax dollars, while the $31.86 monthly utility fee will come from the general fund.